Switch for power lines actuated by a rotatable supporting insulator

ABSTRACT

A switch for power lines which is actuated by a supporting rotatable insulator. A first insulator has a bearing at each end, one to be attached to a support such as a pole, and the other to the conductor of the power line. The first insulator is freely rotatable without moving the conductor. A second insulator structurally interconnects two segments of the conductor, and a movable switch blade movable by rotation of the first insulator connects or interconnects the segments. This invention makes possible the innovation of remotelyactuated group operation of a plurality of in-line switches, in addition to its capability of individual operation of a single switch.

United States Patent [451 June 6, 1972 Smedley et al.

[541 SWITCH FOR POWER LINES ACTUATED BY A ROTATABLE SUPPORTING INSULATOR 221 Filed: 06.21, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 82,734

52 u.s.c|. .i ..200/48R 3,549,834 12/1970 Spillar ..200/48 Primary Examiner-Herman J. Hohauser Attorney-Angus and Mon [57] 4 ABSTRACT A switch for power lines which is actuated by a supporting rotatable insulator. A first insulator has a bearing at each end, one to be attached to a support such as a pole, and the other to the conductor of the power line. The first insulator is freely rotatable without moving the conductor. A'second insulator structurally interconnects two segments of the conductor, and a movable switch blade movable by rotation of the first insula- I tor connects or interconnects the segments. [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh3l/00 h invention makes possible the Innovation of remotely-ac- [58] held of Search p 48 48 48 tuated group operation of a plurality of in-line switches, in ad- 2 148 dition to its capability of individual operation of a single I switch. I [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Claims, 6 Drawing figures 3,515,823 6/1970 Pahl ..200/48 6/ I 60 6 77 /62 3 E 42 3 /0 f I 0 1 /6 3/ 29 53 l'l 47 27 25 a Z 2/ 20 23 22 24 o l v l l l :U 32 o /o 25 1 i J 69 i l 66 w t l I' I PATENTEDJuu 6 I972 SHEET 10F 2 INVEN'T0R5 PA UL A. SMEDLEY, ANDERSON 5.5MEOLEY M ATTO/Q/VfYfi.

"pedients in the rain and high wind is more SWITCH FOR POWER LINES ACTUATED BY A ROTATABLE SUPPORTING INSULATOR This invention relates to in-line switches and particularly to in-line switches for making and breaking circuits in high voltage power lines and in electrical transmission circuits.

In order for workmen to work on high voltage lines, it is customary to break the circuit to isolate the block in which the work is to be done. The existing art provides numerous examples of switches for this purpose. However, in general these are characterized by difficulty and awkwardness in operation, and bulkiness in size. For example, many, if not most of these types require the use of hot sticks for their operation, or of long actuating arms. Work must done on these circuits in all kinds of weather conditions, and the need to use such exthan a nuisance.

While this invention contemplates the use and actuation of one switch at a time, and provides significant advantages over the prior art while so doing, it has an additional capability not heretofore attainable, namely the group actuation of a plurality of in-line switches. This objective is attained by means of a rotatable line support insulator for each switch, these insulators being freely rotatable at both of their ends, and being adapted for simultaneous rotation in the group.

In the conventional in-line switch, it is necessary for the switch blade to open downwardly, because a hot stick is used to open it. With this device, an upwardly opening blade can be used. In so doing, the blade may be disposed above the insulator, whereby when the arc rises when the switch is opened, it rises away from the insulator and does not damage the switch, while in conventional in-line switches, the arc must rise toward the switch and insulator, and can and often does damage the same.

It is an object of this invention to provide a group-operated in-line switch which utilizes components already present for the actuator means, whereby to decrease the bulkiness of the device, and which is particularly useful in the new power pole arrangements which do not utilize cross-arms.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inline switch whose mechanical burdens are imposed on the structure supporting the cable and not on the cable to which the switch is connected.

A switch assembly according to this invention is adapted to be mounted to a support such as a pole. A first insulator has a bearing at each end. One bearing is to be attached to the support, and the other to the electrical conductor. The first insulator is rotatable without rotating the support or the conductor. A second insulator structurally joins two segments of the conductor, and switch terminal means is attached to each of the segments. A conductive switch blade is functionally connected to the first insulator, whereby rotation of the insulator can cause the switch blade conductively to interconnect, or to disconnect, the switch terminal means.

According to a preferred but optional feature of the present invention, several of such switches may be connected in tandem to a single actuating means simultaneously to open or to close a plurality of circuits.

The above and other features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view elevation of a switch in accordance with the presently preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view elevation of one switch contact taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view, at line 3-3 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of another embodiment of a switch according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view, partly in cutaway cross-section, taken at line 5--5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged'and differently cutaway view similar to FIG. 5.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated the presently preferred embodiment of an partly in cutaway cross-section, taken are electrically connected a conductive switch blade 10 which is pivotly mounted to conductive switch terminal means 12 to pin 11. Insulator 13 (sometimes) called a second insulator") includes a mounting head 14'mounted to housing 12 by bracket 15. The other end of insulator 13 includes a similar head 16 which is mounted to switch ten-ninal means 17 by bracket 18. Switch receptacle 19 is mounted to conductive switch terminal means 17 and is adapted to receive the free end of blade 10. Mounting head 16 of insulator 13 is pivotally mounted to arm 20 by pin 21 which in turn is pivotally mounted to link 22 by pin 23. This arrangement takes the physical tensile force of the stretched cable and connects the second insulator to cable 24. Cable 24 and link 22 are connected by bracket 25. The end of cable 24 is electrically connected to switch terminal means 17 by means of bracket 26.

Mounting head 14 of insulator 13 is connected to link 27 by pin 28, and link 27 is connected to another link 29 by pin 30. Link 29 is connected to cable 31 by bracket 32 to take the tensile strain. Cable 31 is electrically connected to switch terminal means 12 by bracket 33.

As best shown in FIG. 3, link 27 includes a hub 34 which has a bore adapted to receive shaft 35 of trunion 36. Trunion 36 is threadedly assembled to housing 37. Rotatable insulator 38 (sometimes referred to as a first insulator) has an axis of rotation 39 and mounting head 39a from which extends shaft 40. Plate 41, having an integral and outwardly extending lever arm 42, is fastened to shaft 40 so as'to rotate with insulator 38. Plate 41 is joumaled to housing 37 by anti-friction washer 43 so it can-tum freely relative to it. Shaft 40 extends into housing 37, and fastener 44 holds the assemblage together. Beleville washer 45 is positioned to urge the housing 37 against the antifriction washer 43. It will be noted that housing 37 does not rotate, but instead is held in a steady position by the cable. Insulator 38 is turned to rotate plate 41 and thereby turn arm 42 to operate the switch.

Plate 46 is fastened to or integral with housing 37 and extends below hub 34. Plate 46 includes an upwardly extending bracket arm 47 which carries fastener 48 which extends into a bore in hub 34. Fastener 49 is threadably fastened to fastener 48 to locate the axial position of fastener 48, and this holds the cable system physically to insulator 38.

Plate 50 is fastened to head 51 of insulator 38 by fasteners 52. Plate 50 includes an outwardly extending lever arm 53 which is pivotally connected to a switch actuator. Shaft 54 is attached to plate 50, and is joumaled in bore 55 which is car ried by mounting bracket 56. Mounting bracket 56 is attached to pole 57 by fasteners 58. By way of example, pole 57 may be a standard wood pole. Latch pin 59 holds shaft 54 in bore 55. The foregoing describes the rotational attachment to the pole of insulator 38, and the support of the cable by the insulator.

As best shown in FIG. 1, arm 60, whose length may be adjusted by threaded means 77, is pinned to arm 42 by pin 61 and arm 62 by pin 63. Arm 62 is rigidly attached to switch blade 10. Also, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, housing 37 includes a slot 78 through which arm 42 extends, the slot being of such angular extent that arm 42 can engage in its full desired travel. The ends of slot 78 define stops which limit this travel of arm 48, and hence, that of insulator 38.

In the operation of the apparatus thus far described, cables 24 and 31 are part of a power circuit such as the type usually used in the range between about 15 to 67 kv. Cables 24 and 31 to switch terminal means 17 and 12 respectively, which in turn support insulator 13 that electrically insulates the switch terminal means from each other. Links 20, 22, 27 and 29 provide mechanical support for the switch terminal means and insulator so that the structure is entirely self-supporting. Link 27 is supported by insulator 38. Switch blade 10 is pivotly mounted to switch terminal means 12 and is connected by means of lever arms 60 and 62 to lever arm 42 which in turn is connected to first insulator 38. Housing 37, being joumaled to first insulator 38 does not rotate, but as will be more fully understood hereinafter, first insulator in-line switch according to the invention. The switch includes 38 may be rotated by a switch actuator thereby to rotate lever arm 42 to open and close switch at receptacle 19. In this regard, first insulator 38 is journaled to the support pole 57 and is journaled to housing 37 supporting the cable. Operation of the switch operator connected to arm 53 rotates first insulator 38 to rotate arm 42 to open and close the switch.

The power circuit is completed between the cable segments 24 and 31 (which form the conductor which is held together by the second insulator and is supported by the first insulator) through the switch terminal means and the switch blade when the switch is closed. The circuit is open when the switch blade is out of receptacle 19.

As shown particularly in FIG. 1, the switch operator includes a rod 64 which is hinged to lever arm 53 by bracket 65. Rod 66 is hinged to pole 57 by pin 67. A handle 68 at the end of arm 66 may be manually or motor-operated. Rod 64 is connected to handle 68 at a point spaced from pin 67 so that movement of arm 66 and pin 67 in a counter-clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 1) will cause rotation of first insulator 38 in a similar counter-clockwise direction thereby removing the switch blade 10 from receptacle 19 and opening the switch.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 switch blade 10 comprises a pair of blades 70 and 71 mounted to each side and spaced apart by arm 62. Switch receptacle 19, which is a conventional reverse loop type, comprises a plate 72 mounted to switch temrinal means 17 by suitable fasteners (not shown). Plate 72 includes wings 73 and 74 made by folding the plate to form curved portions 75 and 76. Portions 75 and 76 are designed to bias wings 73 and 74 inwardly and against blades 70 and 71 of blade 10, which themselves are biased apart by arm 62. Thus, when blade 10 contacts receptacle 19, blades 70 and 71 wipe against wings 73 and 74, respectively, and wipe away oxidation on the contacts to insure proper electrical connection between the switch blade and the receptacle.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a modification of a switch in accordance with the present invention which differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 principally in respect to the coupling of the switch blade to the rotating insulator. In FIGS. 4-6, there is illustrated an insulator 80 which is journaled to pole 81 in the same manner as first insulator 38 to pole 57 in FIGS. 1-3.

Arm 82 is connected to one end of first insulator 80 for rotating the first insulator around its axis. Plate 84 is fastened to mounting head 83 of first insulator 80 by fasteners 85. Shaft 86 extends from plate 84 into housing 87, and fastener 88 and compression spring 89 are fastened to shaft 86 in order to hold the assembly together. Compression spring 89 biases housing 87 against bearing rings 90 positioned between the lower surface of housing 87 and the inner surface of plate 84. Hence, first insulator 80, head 83 and plate 84 can rotate around the axis of insulator 80 with respect to housing 87.

Plate 84 includes an outwardly extending arm 91. Tubular arm 92, forming the switch blade, is fastened to arm 91 by brackets 93. It therefore turns when the first insulator is turned.

Link 94 is mounted to shaft 86 for free rotation relative thereto by means of hub 95. The opposite end of hub 95 is journaled to an upwardly extending portion 96 of flange 97 connected to housing 87. Plate 84 may be considered to be a switch terminal means in this embodiment. It is connected to one end of the switch blade, and is always conductively connected to one of the segments (segment 103) of the conductor. Link 94 is attached to link 98 by pin 99, and is attached to mounting head 100 of second insulator 101 by pin 102. Conductor 103 is connected to link 98 by bracket 104, and is connected to housing 87 by bracket 105. Mounting head 106 of second insulator 101 is attached to arm 107 by pin 108. Link 107 is connected to another electrical conductor, such as conductor 109 which is also connected to switch terminal means 110 by bracket 111. Switch terminal means 110 is connected to head 106 by means of bracket 112. Switch receptacle 113, which is of the type illustrated in FIG. 2, is connected to switch terminal means 110.

In the operation of the in-line switch illustrated in FIGS. 4- 6, rotational movement of arm 82 in a counter-clockwise direction causes rotation of first insulator about its axis in a similar sense. Rotation of first insulator 80 causes rotation of plate 84 and consequently rotation of arm 92 connected thereto. Movement of arm 92 causes its free end to move into and out of contact with receptacle 113, thereby making and breaking the circuit between segments 103 and 109 which form a conductor, the circuit through which is opened or closed by this switch. Tensile connection is maintained between cable 103, links 98 and 94, insulator 101, link 107, and cable 109. Pole 81 supports the cable and switch mechanism at a point generally defined by the axis of insulator 80. Slot 114 is provided in housing 87 to limit the extent of rotational movement of arm 92.

Shafts 40 and 54 in FIG. 1, and shafis 54 and 86 in FIG. 4 and the means which engage them constitute bearing means at opposite ends of the respective first insulator which journal the first insulator for free rotation relative to the respective support and conductor. One bearing means is attached to the support, and the other to the conductor.

The present invention thus provides an in-line switch which may be operated in the field to selectively open and close a circuit. Although the invention is illustrated showing the use of one switch operator to operate a single switch, it is to be understood that several in-line switches may be ganged together and operated by a single switch operator which may operate one or more rotatable insulators. Thus, a single handle and lever connected to a utility pole can operate several ganged rotatable supporting insulators, or on one insulator supporting several cables, to open and close circircuit on several high power circuits.

Also, although not illustrated herein, the present invention is useful in connection with selectively opening and closing circuits between overhead high power conductors and underground conductors. Thus, where cables are diverted to an underground conduit, an in-line switch of the type herein described may be placed in the connection between the overhead and underground conductors to control the flow of power therebetween.

The in-line switch according to the present invention is easily manufactured, and may be situated in the field where its bulk is minimal. The switch is rugged and can withstand severe abuse from the elements. In operation of the switch, the entire mechanical load of torsion and tension is imposed on the rotating insulator journaled to the utility pole, and not on the power cable itself. Hence, operation of the in-line switch according to this invention imposes little, if any, mechanical stress on the high power cables. The insulators may be of any desired length as a single element or of a built-up stack in accordance with common constructions.

This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments shown in the drawings and described in the description which are given by way of example and not of limitation, but only in accordance with the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A switch assembly for opening and closing a circuit between segments of an electrical conductor, said switch assembly being adapted to be mounted to a support, and in turn to support said conductor, and comprising: a first insulator having an axis of rotation; bearing means at both ends of said first insulator, one of said bearings being adapted for attachment to the support and the other to said conductor, whereby the first insulator is rotatable between the support and the conductor without rotating either of them; a second insulator adapted structurally to interconnect the segments; switch tenninal means connected to each of said segments; a conductive switch blade movable to interconnect said switch terminal means in one position and to leave them disconnected in another position, functionally connected to said first insulator whereby rotation of first insulator can cause the switch blade selectively to assume either of said positions.

2. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.

3. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which the switch blade is directly attached to the first insulator.

4. A switch assembly according to claim 3 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.

5. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which the switch blade is pivotally attached to one of said switch terminal means, and in which linkage means attached to the first insulator is linked to the switch blade for moving the same.

6. A switch assembly according to claim 5 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.

7. in combination: a support; an electrical conductor comprising a pair of conductive segments; a first insulator having an axis of rotation; bearing means at both ends of said first insulator, one of said bearings being attached to said support, and the other of said bearings being attached to said conductor, whereby the insulator is rotatable between the support and the conductor without rotating either of them; a second insulator structurally interconnecting the segments; switch terminal means connected to each of said segments; a conductive switch blade movable to interconnect said switch terminal means in one position, and to leave them disconnected in another position; said switch blade being functionally con- 7 nected to said first insulator, whereby rotation of said first insulator can cause the switch blade to assume either of said positions.

8. A combination according to claim 7 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.

9. A combination according to claim 20 in which the switch blade is directly attached to the first insulator.

10. A combination according to claim 9 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.

1 l. A combination according to claim 7 in which the switch blade is pivotally attached to one of said switch terminal means, and in which linkage means attached to the first insulator is linked to the switch blade for moving the same.

12. A combination according to claim 1 l in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same 13. A combination according to claim 7 in which a plurality of said insulators, levers and conductors is provided on the same support, all being connected to a single actuating means for simultaneous actuation.

14. A combination according to claim 8 in which the support is a pole, and in which a push rod is mounted to said pole and to said lever for moving the lever.

15. A combination according to claim 21 in which the support is a pole, in which a plurality of said insulators and conductors is provided on the same pole, in which a push rod is mounted to said pole and to the levers, whereby all of the first insulators are simultaneously rotated.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE QERTIFICATE OF CURECTTUN Patent NO. Dated June 9 lnventofls) PAUL A0 SMEDLEY and ANDERSON B. SMEDLEY It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below: 9

Col. 1, line 13 after must insert --be-- Col, 2, line 1 "pivotly" should read -pivotally- Col. 2, line 2 "to" should read --by- Col. 2, line 31 "Beleville" should read -Belleville-- Col. 2, line 70 'pivotly' should read --pivotally--- Col. 3, line 17 "arld' should read --about Col. 4, line 31 "circircuit" should read --circuit-- Col. 6, line 3 "20" should read --7-- Q Col. 6, line 20 "21" should read -8-- gigned and Scaled this 0 twenty-sixth Day Of August1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

Q RUTH c. MASON c. MARSHALL DANN Allfsmlg ff Commissioner oj'PatenIs and Trademarks o L. J 

1. A switch assembly for opening and closing a circuit between segments of an electrical conductor, said switch assembly being adapted to be mounted to a support, and in turn to support said conductor, and comprising: a first insulator having an axis of rotation; bearing means at both ends of said first insulator, one of said bearings being adapted for attachment to the support and the other to said conductor, whereby the first insulator is rotatable between the support and the conductor without rotating either of them; a second insulator adapted structurally to interconnect the segments; switch terminal means connected to each of said segments; a conductive switch blade movable to interconnect said switch terminal means in one position and to leave them disconnected in another position, functionally connected to said first insulator whereby rotation of first insulator can cause the switch blade selectively to assume either of said positions.
 2. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 3. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which the switch blade is directly attached to the first insulator.
 4. A switch assembly according to claim 3 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 5. A switch assembly according to claim 1 in which the switch blade is pivotally attached to one of said switch terminal means, and in which linkage means attached to the first insulator is linked to the switch blade for moving the same.
 6. A switch assembly according to claim 5 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 7. In combination: a support; an electrical conductor comprising a pair of conductive segments; a first insulator having an axis of rotation; bearing means at both ends of said first insulator, one of said bearings being attached to said support, and the other of said bearings being attached to said conductor, whereby the insulator is rotatable between the support and the conductor without rotating either of them; a second insulator structurally interconnecting the segments; switch terminal means connected to each of said segments; a conductive switch blade movable to interconnect said switch terminal means in one position, and to leave them disconnected in another position; said switch blade being functionally connected to said first insulator, whereby rotation of said first insulator can cause the switch blade to assume either of said positions.
 8. A combination according to claim 7 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 9. A combination according to claim 20 in which the switch blade is directly attached to the first insulator.
 10. A combination according to claim 9 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 11. A combination according to claim 7 in which the switch blade is pivotally attached to one of said switch terminal means, and in which linkage means attached to the first insulator is linked to the switch blade for moving the same.
 12. A combination according to claim 11 in which a lever is connected to said first insulator for rotating the same.
 13. A combination according to claim 7 in which a plurality of said insulators, levers and conductors is provided on the same support, all being connected to a single actuating means for simultaneous actuation.
 14. A combination according to claim 8 in which the support is a pole, and in which a push rod is mounted to said pole and to said lever for moving the lever.
 15. A combination according to claim 21 in which the support is a pole, in which a plurality of said insulators and conductors is provided on the same pole, in which a push rod is mounted to said pole and to the levers, whereby all of the first insulators are simultaneously rotated. 